American Pharaoh: Mayor Richard J. Daley - His Battle for Chicago and the Nation

American Pharaoh: Mayor Richard J. Daley - His Battle for Chicago and the Nation
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A careful look at one of America's last big city bosses

The biggest machine politician.

Masterful.

Fair portrait of a divisive yet important figure

Darn good with one flaw

American Pharaoh: Mayor Richard J. Daley - His Battle for Chicago and the Nation
Adam Cohen , and Elizabeth Taylor
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316834033

Amazon.com

You might say it took a village to raise this child. Richard Daley and Chicago are inseparable, and it's impossible to discuss one without at least mentioning the other. Consequently, American Pharaoh includes far more material than your average biography; this is as much the story of the city as it is of the man. Covering the years between 1902 and 1976 (that is, between Daley's birth and death), authors Adam Cohen and Elizabeth Taylor show us a life that in some ways symbolizes the American dream: a boy from a poor neighborhood grows up to wield unimaginable power, yet never forgets his roots. But Daley's was a complicated legacy. While filling Chicago with modern architecture and affecting national politics, he was also held responsible for the segregation and police brutality that tore the city apart during the late '60s and early '70s. Throughout the book, Cohen and Taylor remind readers that Daley's real influence came from the powerful political machine he created. When he didn't like guidelines from national agencies, for example, he went directly to the presidents he helped get elected. When he got bad local press, people lost their jobs and his neighbors marched in his support. When Martin Luther King Jr. came to town, he was greeted by a handpicked organization of African American leaders with strong ties to Daley's machine. It's startling to remember that this was simply a local office; the mayor's loyalties and prejudices affected the entire country. American Pharaoh shows politics at its deepest level, and each chapter brings new insights into a complex man and the system he created in order to rule the city that made him. --Jill Lightner

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"This is Chicago, this is America." With those words, Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley famously defended his brutal crackdown on protestors at the 1968 Democratic convention. Profoundly divided racially, economically, and socially, Chicago was indeed a microcosm of America, and for more than two decades Daley ruled it with an iron fist. The last of the big city bosses, Daley ran an unbeatable political machine that controlled over one million votes. From 1955 until his death in 1976, every decision of any importance--from distributing patronage jobs to picking Congressional candidates--went through his office. He was a major player in national politics as well: Kennedy and Johnson owed their presidencies to his control of the Illinois vote, and he made sure they never forgot it. In a city legendary for its corruption and backroom politics, Daley's power was unrivaled. Daley transformed Chicago--then a dying city--into a modern metropolis of skyscrapers, freeways and a thriving downtown. But he also made Chicago America's most segregated city. A man of profound prejudices and a deep authoritarian streak, he constructed the nation's largest and worst ghettoes, sidestepped national civil rights laws, and successfully thwarted Martin Luther King's campaign to desegregate Northern cities. A quarter-century after his death, Daley's outsize presence continues to influence American urban life, and a reassessment of his career is long overdue. Now, veteran journalists Adam Cohen and Elizabeth Taylor present the definitive biography of Richard J. Daley, drawn from newly uncovered material and dozens of interviews with his contemporaries. In today's era of poll-tested, polished politicians, Daley's rough-and-tumble story is remarkable.

Customer Reviews:

A careful look at one of America's last big city bosses.......2007-04-21

I found this book to be an interesting read into the mayoralty of Richard Daley. To be sure, Daley ruled Chicago as if it were his own personal fiefdom, employing ruthlessness and corruption on more than a few occasions. In reading this biography, I found that despite his flagrant corruption, Daley did maintain Chicago as an economically viable city at a time when other major Midwestern cities (i.e., Detroit and St. Louis) were crumbling and burning, and suffering from the mass exodous of the middle class. Daley was quite successful in making sure that Chicago did not suffer a similar fate. What interested me as well was the civil rights situation in Chicago during the 1960s. Daley maintained segregation within the city, but reached an accomodation with the black leadership, as they delivered votes to him. In exchange, the black leaders and their supporters received various forms of political patronage. This was in sharp contrast to what was the situation in the South at the time. I think that this difference was exempified by the rather cool treatment that was given to Martin Luther King by the black leadership when he visited Chicago in 1965.

The biggest machine politician........2006-10-06

This is a detailed book about the political machine Richard J. Daley built in Chicago. In this book, you realize the corrupt nature of a political machine. Votes were stolen, money squandered on people hooked into the machine, and the violence against those who opposed the policies. It is a wonder that the machine is still somewhat working. Machine politics is a nasty business. Somehow regardless of all this, Richard Daley successfully managed the third largest city in the United States. He improved the administration, built the infrastructure, and generally was not corrupt himself. He was the head of the machine though and bears responsibility for the corruption.

This is an in depth expose of the Richard J. Daley machine. It will take some time to read through the 400 plus pages of this political biography of Daley. A good read for someone interested in Chicago.

Masterful. .......2006-09-18

This has to be one of the best biographies that I have ever read. Before reading it, not having grown up in Chicago, I was relatively unaware of the specific goings on regarding the reign of Daley the First. However, upon finishing it, I suddenly have a vastly improved understanding of the man and also of the history of the city during the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Few persons had more power as politicians than Daley did which is quite surprising considering the relative lowliness of his position. It seems inconceivable to us today that he was able to "slate" the entirety of Illinois politicians, but that is precisely what he did for several decades. The secret was his holding onto to the positions of Mayor and Cook County Chief simultaneously. This effectively made him boss until death. By never letting go of them both he was able to run the state. In the 1960 election, he "worked" endlessly to ensure a Kennedy victory (although Kennedy would have won the electoral college even had he lost Illinois).

As a personality, Daley remains distant and incomplete even after the last page of American Pharaoh is turned. I cannot think of another famous person I could say the same about, but the subject's nebulousness is certainly not the fault of the authors. Daley came from the shadows and stayed in the shadows. He was a throwback even at the time he was elected, and as a man he had far more in common with those born in the nineteenth century than those born in the twentieth. The only thing in life which seemed to motivate him was the acquisition of power. He was faithful to wife and had little interest in money or drinking or anything outside the strengthening his empire. Daley was a caricature of ambition, but his drive made him something he, perhaps, was never supposed to be. This is not a work you will soon forget.

Fair portrait of a divisive yet important figure.......2006-05-25

As a European visitor on my first trip to the US I was fascinated by the signature of then Mayor Richard M. Daley on so many signs, permits etc. I was also impresssed by the respect and affection many people has for the mayor . This book describes the laying of the foundation of that Daley dynasty by Richard J. Daley. It tends to focus on the machinations of the Democratic Party rather than the benefits Daley brought to Chicago. Not as well writted as Caro's biographies, but still readable. I'm looking forward to reading "The Boss".

Darn good with one flaw.......2003-02-05

A great book with contents delivered in a clear, concise writing style. It reads so fluidly, one can forget he/she is learning history while riding along with a fascinating narrative. I very much enjoyed it and learned a great deal from the exhaustive research that obviously went into the project.

My only criticism, however, keeps me from giving five stars: the co-authors seem obsessed with housing and perceived racism issues in Chicago - at times to the extent that Daley is almost forgotten in their drive to bring home a point. If this is where their academic background is based that is fine, but the reader deserves to know this going in instead of being advertised a full one volume biography type of study. This was an occasional distraction, but one that usually ended soon enough with a paragraph break - welcomed with a 'whew, glad we got back on track'- from this reader.

All in all, a fine book very much worth your time, but be advised not quite what it might seem.

American Pharaoh : Mayor Richard J. Daley: His Battle for Chicago and the Nation
Average customer rating:
American Pharaoh : Mayor Richard J. Daley: His Battle for Chicago and the Nation
Elizabeth; Cohen, Adam Taylor
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OUJRV4

Book Description

Explore the lifelong psychological impact of war and violence on children

This book should stab the conscience of the world. No one can read its gripping account of the terrifying impact on children of modern war and remain unchanged.
--George McGovern, former U.S. Senator, South Dakota and 1972 Democratic presidential nominee

Customer Reviews:

No place to be a child.......2000-11-21

With children and violence a hot issue in America, this book focuses on the effects war has on children. Of course, injury and loss of loved ones are at the top of the list, but so are less obvious detriments like barriers to education and health care. It also discusses the mental impact that war and violence has on children for years to come. Final section transforms discussion from international wars to similar impacts for American children in violent inner cities.

Would like to see an update with new case studies like Sierra Leone, Iraq and Columbine. But, regardless, the book is still quite an eye-opener which can convince even the most hawkish warmonger that the "collateral" damage to youth from war/violence is long-term and potentially irreversible.

Amazon.com

The conceit of this one-man play by historian Howard Zinn is that Karl Marx has been brought back to life--but, through a bureaucratic mix-up, winds up not in the Soho district of London where he lived and worked in the 19th century, but the modern-day SoHo district of New York City. Mostly, Marx takes the opportunity to point out to the audience how the predictions of his economic theory have come to pass: "Did I not say, a hundred and fifty years ago, that capitalism would enormously increase the wealth of society, but that this wealth would be concentrated in fewer and fewer hands?" But Zinn also sheds some light on the relationships between Marx and his wife, Jenny, and daughter, Eleanor. Slim and curious, but with an entertaining touch.

Book Description

Don't you ever wonder: why is it necessary to declare me dead again and again?

The premise of this witty and insightful "play on history" is that Karl Marx has agitated with the authorities of the afterlife for a chance to clear his name. Through a bureaucratic error, though, Marx is sent to Soho in New York, rather than his old stomping ground in London, to make his case.

Zinn introduces us to Marx's wife, Jenny, his children, the anarchist Mikhail Bakunin, and a host of other characters.

Marx in Soho is a brilliant introduction to Marx's life, his analysis of society, and his passion for radical change. Zinn also shows how relevant Marx's ideas are for today's world.

Historian and activist Howard Zinn is the author of the bestselling A People's History of the United States and numerous other writings. He recently received the Eugene V. Debs and Lannan Foundation awards for his writing and political activism. He is also the author of Emma, a play about Emma Goldman, in the anthology Playbook (South End Press).

Praise for Marx in Soho:

"An imaginative critique of our society's hypocrisies and injustices, and an entertaining, vivid portrait of Karl Marx as a voice of humanitarian justice - which is perhaps the best way to remember him."-Kirkus Reviews

"A cleverly imagined call to reconsider socialist theory... Zinn's point is well made; his passion for history melds with his political vigor to make this a memorable effort and a lucid primer for readers desiring a succinct, dramatized review of Marxism."-Publishers Weekly

"Even in heaven it seems, Karl Marx is a troublemaker. But in the deft and loving hands of activist/author/historian Howard Zinn, the historical figure... is also a father, a husband and a futurist possessing a grand sense of humor."-ForeWord

"A witty delight that will engage both new and old acquaintances of the Marxian corpus.... Even conservatives will find Zinn's [book]... an intelligent and diverting read. Recommended for academic and public libraries alike."-Library Journal

Customer Reviews:

Marx in Soho is entertaining and informative.......2007-01-19

Marx in Soho is one of the best plays that has been written. It is a fascinating account of Marx's life in Soho, seen through Marx's eyes. Conservatives will be shocked by the Marxist themes. Conservatives don't need any more venues to spread their agit-prop. They already control most sources of information (CNN is own by General Electric,etc). After 655,000 Iraqis have died and with 25 million people dying of lack of water every year, it's high time to start thinking about alternatives to capitalism.
The thing I found aggravating about Marx in Soho was it's potrayal of Marx's great work, Das Kapital. The play portrays it as boring and scholarly, a reference book. When I read Das Kapital, I found the second volume as deadly boring. The first volume of Das Kapital is interesting and relevent to today's society. The first three or so chapters are tough, but it gets better later on! I promise!
Overall, Marx in Soho is worth the money. For anyone who wants an interesting background to Marx in Soho, the International Socialist Review has an excellent article by Brian Jones, the man who played Marx in many Marx in Soho productions. [..]

I also noticed several prior reviews talking about Marx as an economic light-weight . I doubt they have ever read Das Kapital, or Wealth of Nations. Comparing the two leads to the inevitable conclusions that Marx just further developed the ideas of Adam Smith. To those who think Marx is an economic lightweight, I wish you would go and read the books you speak of.

Sparks for Marx.......2005-05-23

I get so tired of these knee-jerk, hackneyed, imbecilic responses to any work dealing with the teachings and philosophy of Karl Marx. Here is my review of Zinn's Marx in Soho: If you're an open minded progressive, pick it up and read it. If you're a right wing neo-fascist nut, don't pick it up and read it.

A Pathetic Defense of a Failed Dream.......2004-07-06

In his foreword, Zinn makes a blanket claim regarding what he sees as a fundamental truth endemic to Capitalism: that it is unfair and beneficial only to the wealthy. Fair enough. What is likewise unfair-as well as disingenuous-is his rejection of any of the problems that are of a similarly endemic nature with regard to Marxism, Socialism, and virtually every other leftist ism. Indeed, this author's refusal to recognize how the Stalinist states he so roundly condemns are not aberrations, but merely the natural result of a skewed utopian vision that seeks, in all of its manifestations, to overwhelm and supersede virtually every sane human achievement-at whatever the cost.

Whether Zinn likes to admit it or not, his beloved Marxism is, by its very nature, incompatible with established order, decency, and human happiness. From a historian who lived through virtually the whole of a tumultuous century, one might have had reason to expect common sense as opposed blind adherence to the failed ideological construct he acquired in his youth. Of all the shortcomings this book possesses (and they are many), the stubborn credulousness of its author is perhaps the most difficult to accept.

In the end, to describe this work as merely pathetic is to waste words by stating the obvious. This is a screed for ingrates and malcontents only. For everyone else, I am sure you can think of something better to do.

Might make a good educational resource........2002-09-19

In the introduction to "Marx in Soho," Howard Zinn says that he "wrote the play at a time when the collapse of the Soviet Union brought an almost universal exultation in the mainstream press and among political leaders: not only was Marxism gone, but the ideas of Marxism were discredited." So Zinn wrote this play in which he sets out to show that "Marx's critique of capitalism remains fundamentally true in our time." In order to do this, Zinn invents a scenario in which Karl Marx is inexplicably returned to the land of the living (and to contemporary New York, no less) to defend his theories, reflect on his life, tell a few stories, and occasionally just talk. If this sounds like a weird way to defend Marxism, it is. But it does allow a passionate and excited (though fictional) Marx to talk to us directly in a more conversational and less academic or inflammatory manner. And while Zinn was bending the rules of time and history, he decided he'd go ahead and submit Marx's idea to an anarchist critique as well, and wrote in an account of a fictional night of drinking with Bakunin. This allows for what Zinn calls "a dialectic of opposing viewpoints," but interestingly so in a one-man play. The play humanizes Marx a little by spending time on Marx's family relationships.

Stylistically speaking, this play clearly has its weaknesses. A lack of interaction (there's only one character!) makes the dialogue the only show in town, so to speak, and thus puts a lot of weight on not-too-strong shoulders (Zinn's dialogue writing didn't wow me). And there are some really awkward stabs at humor. Those things said, I only read the play, and maybe I'd be surprised at how well this comes off in the hands of the right director. But what this play does succeed in doing is offering a succinct and engaging summary and interpretation of the writings and ideas of Karl Marx, and encourages further reading (even pointing the reader in the right direction at the end of the script). Myself, after finishing this I marched straight to the bookstore and picked up "The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts," which I'd have to say I've gotten a lot out of and, dare I say it, even enjoyed.

Marxalogue.......2002-05-22

ZInn is an extrordinary researcher/writer. One cannot merely breeze thru his work, along the way past the prologue, he/she gets absorbed - becomes part of the history.

in marx in soho - zinn takes a somewhat fictional attempt at bringing out Marx in a contemporary society. The monologue is short enough to breeze thru on an hour bus ride - that's how i read it.

Customer Reviews:

A WONDERFUL STARTER BOOK........2006-11-25

This is a great book to introduce children to these wonderful crestures. The illustrations are beautiful and very, very detailed. The text is very informal, interesting and readable. I like using this one in introduction lectures. The book leaves plenty of room for open discussion and truely gives the children incentive to learn more. As a matter of fact. this is not a bad book to introduce adults to owls along with the young one. Highly recommend this one.

Good introduction to owls.......2005-09-18

Owls: Whoo are they? is a very good introductory book for young children on the fascinating subject of owls. The book covers all aspects of owl behaviour and discusses its various unique characteristics. It also touches on the owl in mythology and its conservation. The text is well written and introduces a number of key terms. In terms of the illustrations, I hate to say it, but I wasn't overly impressed. Overall, though, I did like this book.

from a biologist perspective.......2003-07-15

I am a spotted owl biologist, and I just ran into this book at a gift shop. I bought one for myself, my nephew, my friends children,. . .etc. It is really great, not only for kids. It doesn't dumb down the science (using crepuscular and other words, with a glossary in back), and the pictures are well done.

Book Description

Denver Birds, An Introduction to Familiar Species, is a must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. The Pocket Naturalist(tm) series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability.

A birder's guide to Denver and eastern Colorado,

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A birder's guide to Denver and eastern Colorado,
James A Lane , and Harold R. Holt
Manufacturer: distributed by L & P Photography
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006YNPE8

Birding Guide to the Denver-Boulder Region

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Birding Guide to the Denver-Boulder Region
Robert Folzenlogen
Manufacturer: Pruett Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Birds | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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Birds of Denver (U.S. City Bird Guides)
Chris C. Fisher , Gary Ross , and Ted Nordhagen
Manufacturer: Lone Pine Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1551051060

Book Description

This attractive guide identifies the birds most likely to be seen in the backyards, streets and parks of the Mile High City. The books introduce the fascinating and popular pastime of birdwatching and include advice on building feeders and birdhouses. Color illustrations help you identify birds quickly while the text provides interesting information about each bird. These books are easy-to-use references for the urban birdwatcher.

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The Birds of Denver and Moountain Parks
Robert J. And Robert B. Rockwell Niedrach
Manufacturer: The Colorado Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K6NX12

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BIRDS OF DENVER AND MOUNTAIN PARKS
Robert J. Niedrach and Robt. B. Rockwell
Manufacturer: Denver Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IWAENI

Product Description

Denver Museum of Natural History, paperback, second printing June 1 1959, age discoloration to the covers & spine, 203 pages

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Birds of Denver and Mountain Parks
Robert & Rockwell, Robert Niedrach
Manufacturer: Denver Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O7JWEO

The birds of Denver and mountain parks (Colorado Museum of Natural History. Popular series)

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The birds of Denver and mountain parks (Colorado Museum of Natural History. Popular series)
Robert J Niedrach
Manufacturer: Colorado Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0007EKOXW

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The birds of Denver and mountain parks,
Robert J Niedrach
Manufacturer: CO MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UCB7MI

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